Building off the success of the inaugural Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids' State Dinner in 2012, Michelle Obama is teaming up with Epicurious, the US Department of Education, and the Department of Agriculture to host a nationwide recipe challenge to promote healthy eating among America’s youth.

“Last year’s Kids State dinner was one of my favorite events we’ve ever done for 'Let’s Move!' because it perfectly captured how young people, parents, community leaders and businesses can come together for innovative, healthy solutions,” said Ms. Obama. “Last year’s young chefs impressed and inspired me with their creativity, and I can’t wait to welcome a whole new group to the White House this summer and taste their creations.”

The second Kids' State Dinner invites parents or guardians and their children, ages 8-12, to create and submit an original lunch recipe that is healthy, affordable, and tasty. In support of Ms. Obama's "Let’s Move!," program designed to tackle childhood obesity, each recipe must adhere to the guidance that supports USDA’s MyPlate (at ChooseMyPlate.gov). Entries must represent each of the food groups, either in one dish or as parts of a lunch meal, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy foods, with fruits and veggies making up roughly half the plate or recipe.

All US states and territories are invited to participate. Fifty-six children and their parent/guardian will be flown to the nation’s capital where they will have the opportunity to attend a Kids’ “State Dinner” at the White House this July or August, hosted by Ms. Obama. A selection of the winning healthy recipes will be featured.